Before you dance with me

Before you dance with me, you see,

There’s something you should know,

I dance my feelings, dance my heart

the fire down below.

Before you dance with me, look out,

There’s more than meets your eye

I dance my belly, dance my heart

my longing with a sigh.

Before you dance with me, agree

There’s nowhere else but here

I dance my story, dance my truth

my everlasting youth.

I may be stiff around the edge,

There’s fear in my bones

Or I might even stumble in

your feet as cold as stones.

But I am soft as clay within

My inner sea of chance,

So you may dive or drown in it

before we even dance.

I know I have a lot to learn

Of balance, twists and turns,

To stand my ground and pull my weight

to walk the floor that burns.

But don’t you dare to hush my song

Pretending to know more,

To preach your dance, to show it off

parade your ego on the dance floor.

And don’t you tell me to relax

Don’t mold me to your need

For if I felt the strength in you

I’d have no choice but trust your lead.

Oh, I don’t care for your advice

I’ll take it in and smile

I’ll do my best but in the end

your moves are cold as ice.

But if you hold me in your arms

And listen with your heart,
Before you dance with me you’ll know
that you have done your part.

[to all those tiresome tangueros who still need to learn how to hold a woman and breathe with her, level with her, instead of showing off their infinite tango wisdom; and to all those who already know]